Item Description: Letters, dated 8 October 1863, the first from Andrew J. Proffit to his father, William Proffit of Wilkes County, NC; the second, from Phillip Walsh to his father and mother. In the first, Andrew describes a severe fever and his return to his regiment. Andrew served in the 18th North Carolina Regiment and all three of his brothers also fought for the Confederacy, one of whom is referenced in this letter (Alfred). The second letter was written by either Phillip or Thomas Walsh, Andrew’s cousin (Mary Proffit’s maiden name, Walsh) to his parents, also detailing troop movements.
[Item transcription available below image]
Item Citation: Folder 3, Proffit Family Papers, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Item Transcription:
Near Gordonsville Va
Oct the 8th 1863
Mr. Wm Proffit
Dear father this note is to inform you that I am with my regiment enjoying a reasonable portion of health. I have been absent three months sick with the fever. I was at a private house & treated very kindly. The fever fell in my feet & legs so that I could not walk far nor get off my bed for sometime. I was not out of the house for seven weeks and no one who saw me thought that there was any chance for me to live but the God who rules & governs all things saw fit in his tender mercies to raise me up again for which I shall ever feel grateful.
I have no news of interest to write at this time. We have been cooking three days rations to day in order for a march but to what place I am unable to say as news is scarce & my hand is quite nervous. I will soon close. A.N is quite stout & looks finely. You will please write me as soon as this comes to hand and give me all the news how you are getting along & how your crop is about to turn out. Give my love to Mother Sis & all my friends. I will close by sub scribing my self yours with great respect &c.
A.J. Proffit
Co D, 18th reg NCT,
Lains Brigade
Wilcox’s division
Richmond Va
Dear Father an Mother
I wonce more seate my self to drope you a few lines wich will in forme you that I am well an not forgeting to hope this will fine you all well an doing well. I hant got any good nuse to rite at this time. I will say to you that we have orders to cook three days rations an be ready to march. We are cooking them to day. I dont know whar we will go but it is thought that we will advance on the yankee an I think we will by all apperence. I wood muche rather not go but it is not as I day. It is sead that troops ar moving now an I recond it is so for I see the artilery going to wards the River. It is telling what this move will attain. It may be for our Good an it may be for our worse. I cant say but I hope it will be for our Good. A.J. and A. N. Proffit is here an ar both well an sends you all their love an best respects. I recd a letter from W. L. Welch an Elisebeth an I answer it the next day but I dont know wether thay have got it or not. W. Church an family I send you all my love an best respects an would love to see you all but cant say when I will but I hope it wont be long untell this war will come to a end so I can come home. I want you all to rite to me an give me all the nuse you can. so I will close ?.
Phillip Walsh
Thomas Walsh
